TRACKING DOWN INTIMACY
Moments of Connection at Fotografiska
In a portrayal of the connectivity and nearness of others through the lenses of up-and-coming Black photographers, Tracking Down Intimacy is presented by Fotografiska New York meets the Black Artist Fund (BAF). Two of the photographers involved in the project, Kendall Besset and Edward Cushenberry, spoke with PROVOKR to provide their perspectives on the multifaceted layers of closeness within the timeframe of subdued human interaction. While each photographer’s photographic approach is unequivocally singular, Tracking Down Intimacy ultimately succeeds in tethering us to others — even for just a moment.
What does intimacy mean to you in the current climate, and how is that conveyed in your photography?
KB: I believe the purest form of intimacy is self-love and confidence. The basis of my work is self-love, I want people who look like me to know that they’re beautiful and deserving of all forms of love.
EC: To me, intimacy means touch, trust, closeness, openness, and honest conversations. I spent four years photographing every aspect of my friends and family’s lives, in a way to get closer to them but also in a way to understand myself better. Those four years I saw those close to me experience loss, love, heartbreak, sickness, lack of inhibitions, honesty, and self-reflection. It made me realize what real love and intimacy is — but more importantly, made me grateful that I get to experience real love and intimacy.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
KB: Because I have such a rich culture and history, I find myself constantly being inspired by that.
EC: Light, moments, and closeness are the biggest inspiration for my work.
What effect do you hope your photography has on viewers?
KB: I want my people to look at my work and be reassured that they are beautiful.
EC: Some time ago someone messaged me on Instagram that my photographs made them feel less lonely. I really like that my photography had that effect on a stranger. When my book came out, a lot of comments I got from people who purchased my book was that they felt a little uncomfortable looking at moments that they knew they weren’t supposed to look at but wanted to keep looking at the photographs anyway. Both those reactions are the effect I hope my photography has on the viewers.
To learn more about the project, visit here.
